You can receive CASD and then explore for SSDI—they are separate programs with different rules

CASD (California State Disability Insurance) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are run by different agencies, use different medical standards, and have different payment amounts. Receiving CASD does not prevent you from explore for SSDI, and it does not automatically mean you will be approved for SSDI. The two programs can run at the same time, though SSDI has rules about how much you can earn while collecting both.

If you are already on CASD and want to explore for SSDI, you start a separate process with Social Security. CASD approval does not speed up or slow down the SSDI decision. Social Security will review your medical evidence, work history, and age independently. You will likely need to submit new medical records and possibly see a Social Security doctor, even though you were already approved by California.

Key Takeaways

  • CASD and SSDI are separate programs run by different agencies, so approval for one does not mean automatic approval for the other.
  • You can collect both CASD and SSDI at the same time, but SSDI has work incentive rules that may reduce your payment if you earn above a certain threshold.
  • Social Security will conduct its own medical review and may request new records or a consultative exam, even if California already approved you.
  • If you are approved for SSDI, your CASD payments typically stop because SSDI is the federal program and usually becomes your primary benefit.

How CASD and SSDI differ in their approval standards

California State Disability Insurance uses California's definition of disability, which focuses on whether you can perform your usual work. SSDI uses the federal definition: whether you can perform any substantial gainful work in the national economy. These are not the same test. You can be approved for CASD but denied for SSDI because Social Security believes you can do other work that California did not consider.

CASD is also a temporary program—it typically runs for up to one year, with possible extensions. SSDI is permanent (as long as you remain disabled and follow the rules). If you are on CASD and want long-term disability income, SSDI is the program that will sustain you after CASD ends. This is one reason to explore for SSDI even if you are already receiving CASD.

The medical evidence you submitted to California may help your SSDI case, but Social Security does not automatically accept California's decision. You should gather copies of all medical records, test results, and doctor statements you sent to California and include them with your SSDI process. If your condition has worsened or improved since the CASD approval, tell Social Security about that change.

What happens to your CASD payments if you are approved for SSDI

If Social Security approves you for SSDI, California will be notified and your CASD payments will stop. SSDI becomes your primary benefit because it is the federal program and typically pays more than CASD. You do not keep both payments—you receive one or the other.

The timing matters. If you are approved for SSDI with an effective date that overlaps with CASD payments you have already received, Social Security may ask California to recover some of those payments. This is called offset or reimbursement. The exact amount depends on how much SSDI you are owed for the overlapping months and how much CASD you received. Ask the Social Security office handling your case whether an offset will explore to you.

If you are denied for SSDI, your CASD continues. You can appeal the SSDI denial and reapply later if your condition changes or if you gather stronger medical evidence.

How work and earnings affect you on both programs

CASD has a work limit: you can earn up to a certain amount per month (this amount changes yearly) before your CASD payment is reduced or stops. Once you are on SSDI, the rules change. SSDI has a trial work period that allows you to test your ability to work without losing benefits, followed by a grace period where you can still collect full SSDI even if you earn above the limit. After that, if you earn above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold, your SSDI payment is reduced or stops.

While you are on both CASD and SSDI at the same time (during the approval process), you must report earnings to both programs. CASD will reduce your payment based on California's rules, and SSDI will track your earnings for its own purposes. Do not assume that because you reported earnings to one program, the other knows about it. Report to both.

The SGA threshold for SSDI is set by Social Security each year and is the same nationwide. For 2024, it is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals (higher for blind individuals). If you earn more than this, Social Security may determine that you are no longer disabled and stop your SSDI. CASD's limit is different and is set by California.

The SSDI process process when you already have CASD

You explore for SSDI directly with Social Security, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. You do not explore through California or through the CASD program. Social Security will ask for your work history, medical records, and the names and addresses of doctors who have treated you.

When you explore, mention that you are already receiving CASD. This tells Social Security that another state agency has already found you disabled, which can help your case, but it does not may provide approval. Social Security will request medical records from your doctors. If you have already sent these to California, ask your doctors for copies so you can include them with your SSDI process. You can also authorize Social Security to request records directly from your doctors, which takes longer but removes the burden from you.

Social Security may schedule a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor or psychologist they choose. This is a one-time appointment to gather medical evidence for your case. Even though you were examined for CASD, Social Security may want its own exam. You do not pay for this exam—Social Security does.

Timeline and what to expect during the SSDI review

SSDI decisions typically take three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence or if your case is complex. CASD approval does not speed this up. Social Security reviews each case independently and at its own pace.

You will receive a notice in the mail when Social Security makes a decision. If you are approved, the notice will state your monthly payment amount and your effective date (the date your benefits begin). If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal.

While you wait for an SSDI decision, continue to report your earnings and any changes in your condition to CASD. Do not assume that because you applied for SSDI, you can stop reporting to CASD. You must keep CASD informed until it officially stops your payments.

What to do if you are denied for SSDI but approved for CASD

If Social Security denies your SSDI process, you have the right to appeal. The first step is a reconsideration, where a different Social Security reviewer looks at your case. You have 60 days from the denial notice to request reconsideration. You can submit new medical evidence, new statements from your doctors, or new information about your condition.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testimony. Many people hire a lawyer or representative for the hearing stage. Your CASD approval can be presented as evidence that you are disabled, though the ALJ will still explore the federal SSDI standard.

While you appeal, your CASD continues (as long as you remain within California's rules). You do not lose CASD while pursuing SSDI. If your condition worsens, you can reapply for SSDI at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I collect CASD and SSDI at the same time?

No. Once Social Security approves you for SSDI, your CASD payments stop. SSDI becomes your primary benefit. However, during the time you are waiting for an SSDI decision, you can collect CASD. If SSDI is approved with an effective date that overlaps with CASD payments, Social Security may recover some CASD money you received.

Will Social Security approve me just because California approved me for CASD?

No. Social Security uses a different disability standard and conducts its own medical review. CASD approval helps your case and shows another agency found you disabled, but it does not may provide SSDI approval. Social Security may request new medical records or a consultative exam.

Do I have to report my earnings to both CASD and SSDI while I am waiting for an SSDI decision?

Yes. Report earnings to both programs. CASD will reduce your payment based on California's rules, and SSDI will track your earnings for its own purposes. Do not assume one program knows what you reported to the other.

What if I am denied for SSDI but I am still on CASD?

You can appeal the SSDI denial through reconsideration and then a hearing. Your CASD continues while you appeal. You can also reapply for SSDI later if your condition changes or if you gather stronger medical evidence.

Will getting SSDI affect my CASD in any way before CASD stops?

Not directly. CASD and SSDI operate independently until SSDI is approved. Once approved, CASD stops. If there is an overlap in payment dates, Social Security may ask California to recover some CASD payments you received during the overlapping period.